A 17-YEAR-old boy who was stabbed to death in a village has been pictured for the first time as his family pay tribute.
Emergency services were scrambled to the scene in Abertridwr, Caerphilly, on Thursday, after receiving reports a teenager had sustained serious injuries.
Tristan Shae Kerr, who was from the village, was found at the scene suffering from stab wounds.
He tragically passed away a short while later despite the best efforts of medics.
Five people were subsequently arrested in connection with the incident.
Gwent Police said four of those arrested had been charged with murder as part of the force’s ongoing investigation into the tragedy.
All four people – three men aged 18, 24 and 26, and a 24-year-old woman – have been remanded into custody to appear before Newport Magistrates Court on Monday, February 9.
A 28-year-old woman from Hereford who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released under investigation.
A fundraiser was set up in Tristan’s memory, and has so far brought in over £4,000.
Close friend Jack Pring, 25, who set up the fundraiser, said Tristan had “his whole life ahead of him” and described his pal as “a boy with pure potential in life”.
Tristan’s aunt Rachel Spriggs described him as “fiercely protective” and “loyal.”
She led a tribute from the grieving family, saying: “Our precious boy has lost his life to a tragic incident.
“He had his whole life ahead of him and will never have the opportunity to fulfil his dreams and potential in what he could have achieved in life.
“His love for his dog Karma, sports and the thrill of riding motorbikes never went unnoticed.
“Tristan’s short lived life was full of fun, mischief and happiness.
“He was a charming young man, loyal to his family and friends and had a smile that lit up a room.
“A cheeky chappy who everyone knew and was loved for his spontaneity.
“Tristan was a mummy’s boy and always had her wrapped around his finger and could never do any wrong.
“He was fiercely protective over his siblings and the mirror image of his Dad – if Tristan was asked he would always say he was much better looking.
“He was close to his uncles, aunties, brothers, sisters, cousins and his grandparents.
“To his friends he was known as Kerr and was always loyal to them.”
Paying tribute to the teen, best pal Jack Pring said: “My brother Tristan was 17 years of age; he lit up every room he walked in with his infectious smile and energy.
“He had a heart of a lion and did not deserve this.
“The community is broken to pieces and this should have never happened.
“I hope something can change with knife crime because this isn’t right and I don’t think our community will ever recover from it.”
A balloon ceremony is being held on Monday evening next to the village YMCA in memory of Tristan.
Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Jitka Tomkova-Griffiths said: “We understand that there has been a great deal of interest in this investigation, however we would ask people not to speculate about the identities of those involved.
“Our thoughts remain with the victim’s family and friends.
“If anyone has any information, please speak to our officers or contact us in the usual way.
“Anyone with information can contact us by calling 101, sending a direct message on social media or via the form on our website and quoting log reference 2600038325.
“You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously online or by phone.”
